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Ghosts are rumored to pop up in many places around the Gulf Coast city of Corpus Christi, Texas. From sightings on the Padre Island National Seashore to the Corpus Christi Center Theater, the rich history of the city seems to support the ghost sightings. Situated about three hours southwest of Houston, Corpus Christi has four distinct houses in the Heritage Park Museum that are said to be haunted.

The Sidbury House

With a Texas Historic Marker and a reputation for being haunted, the Sidbury House was moved to its current location in 1926. The house was once occupied by the Patrick Dunn family who tragically lost a child die to a fever while living in the home. It might not come as too big of a shock that a child supposedly haunts what was once the children's room of the Sidbury House by knocking objects down. Visitors might witness dolls being moved or rearranged. Even if you don’t spy strange goings-on, be sure to check out its architectural beauty. The Sidbury House is the only example of High Victorian architecture left in the city, so it is keeping history alive in more ways than one.

The Galvan House

At more than 100 years old, the historic Galvan House is one of the oldest houses in the museum. It’s named after Rafael Galvan who was the first Mexican-American police officer in the city and whose family owned the house for four decades. The city's multicultural center now operates at Galvan House and hosts several programs throughout the year. However, some people say that the ghost of the policeman still roams the halls, so look for things that may seem amiss. In the Galvan House, a ghost supposedly taps the shoulders of people on the second floor, and visitors have heard footsteps leading up to the attic. Admission to the Galvan House is free throughout the year, and tours are often available.

The Merriman-Bobys House

As the second-oldest home in Corpus Christi, the Merriman-Bobys House is considered a historic site. It was one home to Anna and Walter Merriman, a couple who had two beloved nephews fight on opposing sides during the Civil War. However, the identification of the current ghost is unknown. Visitors have reported that a lady with an old-fashioned dress comes out at night wearing her big hat and shoes. She then walks into the front door and disappears. Visitors claim that they have not seen her face, only her backside. While there, stop by the Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center that's located in the Merriman-Bobys House to get maps, coupons and other helpful information.

The Ward-McCampbell House

Built in 1908 and relocated to Heritage Park in 1984, the Ward-McCampbell house has a storied history. In fact, local news stations have investigated its numerous ghost sightings. The ghost of Mary Alice Ward McCampbell has allegedly been seen on the balcony. In 1919, a hurricane once flooded the first floor of the house, and Mary had to take refuge upstairs. After waiting for help for days, she died of pneumonia and is now said to haunt this house. She sometimes causes noises when visitors attempt to go on the patio of the second floor and has locked tour guides out when they attempt a visit to the patio. Guides may have to summon help from visitors below.

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About the Author

Charu Suri has been writing articles on travel since 2005. Her work has appeared in magazines such as "Simply the Best" and "U.S. Airways Magazine," as well as various online publications. Suri received a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University.

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